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Kickstart art: Cool-sounding projects that need cash

asf 1. The Newest Hottest Spike Lee Joint. Yep, Kickstarter is so popular now that even director Spike Lee is getting in on it, asking $1.25 million for a movie about "human beings who are addicted to blood."

Kickstart art: Cool-sounding projects that need cash

It's time for another installment of our series that spotlights cool-sounding crowd-funding projects. Feel free to send any tips to popcandy@usatoday.com.

In no particular order:

One current Kickstarter hopes to create trophies for everyday occurences.(Photo: Kickstarter)

1. The Newest Hottest Spike Lee Joint. Yep, Kickstarter is so popular now that even director Spike Lee is getting in on it, asking $1.25 million for a movie about "human beings who are addicted to blood." His pitch video gives shout-outs to Veronica Mars and Zach Braff, and rewards include autographed DVDs, a personal phone call, premiere tickets, signed Nikes and (for $10,000) a court-side seat next to him at a Knicks game. So far he has only raised $164,000, with Steven Soderbergh among those who have given 10K.

2. Buliding Magic. I was charmed by this documentary about a young traveler and street magician. The filmmakers want to expand their five-minute flick into a full-length feature, and they need $35,000 to do it.

4. Detroit Sound Conservancy Oral History Project. Even if you don't live in Detroit, you may want to help preserve the city's musical history. Rewards include Detroit-themed music downloads, signed photographs of Detroit musicians and a tour of Motor City musical landmarks.

5. Syl Johnson: Any Way the Wind Blows. Speaking of great-sounding music documentaries, I hope this one about soul singer Syl Johnson gets funded. Admittedly, his name didn't ring a bell before I saw the trailer, but I won't forget it now; Wu-Tang Clan, Kanye West and Jay-Z are among those who have sampled his tunes. The filmmakers have raised about half of their $40,000 goal.

6. Trophy Buffet. The pitch from artist Alon Seifert cracks me up: He believes people deserve trophies for everyday occasions, not just winning some sort of championship. A $34 pledge gets you one of the trophies (and he has already reached his goal of $20,000).

7. Animal Gas: A Scratch and Sniff Picture Book. Children's author and illustrator Bryan Ballinger wants to make a book about some very gassy (and cute) animals "who try to convince each other that their toots smell great." The book includes lovely and icky scents, and a $35 pledge gets you a signed hardcover. I have a feeling this could be a big hit with kids ... and honestly, I'd like to get a copy for myself!